July 21, 1999

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,

I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to you, the members of the University of San Francisco community. I write to you about an important issue in our community -- student use of alcohol. The University is concerned about abusive and irresponsible consumption of alcohol by some students. This kind of behavior can hinder a studentís academic progress and negatively impact the residence hall community

In that sense of association, the University of San Francisco expects that our students will use alcohol responsibly and in accord with federal laws and campus regulations and all applicable laws and ordinances. The alcohol policy states that a student is in violation if he or she is under the age of 21 and found in possession of or have consumed alcohol, or both. Regardless of age, students are considered in violation having an open container of alcohol in public; hosting a party involving the illegal use of alcohol; dispensing alcohol to minors; or are intoxicated.

Beginning with the Fall 1999 semester, students under the age of 21 who are twice found responsible for violating of the alcohol policy will have their parent or guardian contacted by letter from the Office of Residence Life. If a student violates this policy a third time, he or she will be removed from the residence halls. It is our hope that by contacting a studentís family, there will be some deliberate conversations about choices' students may be making. The support that parents or guardians may provide will be of utmost importance in helping students develop good judgment around their use of alcohol.

We realize that your own practices and standards with regard to alcohol use may differ from those of the University. I write to make you aware that in keeping with our strong sense of community, we expect our students to obey the law and to adhere to University policies when they are on our campus. Many campus facilities and activities that do not involve the use of alcohol provide our students with a wide variety of alternatives for developing a successful social life. I would encourage you and your son or daughter to take full advantage of these opportunities when you arrive on campus.

Please feel free to contact me at the Office of Residence Life if you have any questions or concerns about this policy. Our telephone number is 415-422-6824; fax 415-422-2480 and my email address is maslowski@usfca.edu.

Again, welcome to the University of San Francisco community.

Respectfully,

Gary D. Maslowski
Director of Residence Life